Illuminating goal structure and method of manufacturing an illuminating goal structure

ABSTRACT

An illuminating goal structure is disclosed. According to one embodiment of the present invention the illuminating goal structure, adapted for connection to a power source, includes a back plate, a face plate having at least one lighting aperture defined therein, viewable signal means (VSM) housed within the at least one lighting aperture, connection means for operably connecting the VSM to the power source, and VSM control means for controlling the distribution of power from the power source to the VSM, wherein the back plate is attached to the face plate such that the connection means are enclosed therein. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the illuminating goal structure adapted for connection to a power source includes an illumination tube including at least one lighting channel therein, VSM housed within the at least one lighting channel, connection means for operably connecting the VSM to the power source, and VSM control means for controlling the distribution of power from the power source to the VSM. A method for manufacturing illuminating goal structures is also disclosed. The goal structure and methodology described herein allows one to illuminate a goal structure in such a manner that the lighting arrangement therein is easily modifiable.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to goal structures for use insporting events. More specifically, the present invention relates toilluminating goal structures.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] It is well known that many sports use a goal structure forpurposes of defining a scoring area. For example, the sport of hockeyemploys a hockey goal, basketball uses a hoop and backboard, baseballhas foul poles, and football utilizes uprights. One drawback oftraditional sports goal structures, however, is that it is oftendifficult for spectators to determine whether the ball or puck hasentered the scoring area. This is particularly true in the world ofprofessional sports where sporting venues are much larger and gamespeeds are much quicker.

[0003] One prior art attempt to improve upon goal indication isdisclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,947,846 issued to Craig. This patentdiscloses a hockey net having lights within the goal posts wherein thelights are illuminated upon a goal being scored. One chief shortcomingsof the Craig patent, however, is that no method for manufacturing thenet is provided. Furthermore, the lighting scheme described in the Craigpatent is fixed and, therefore, not modifiable. As such, the net is animpractical solution for purposes of displaying advertisements or othermessages, as a new net is required each time there is a change insponsorship or message requirement.

[0004] A need, therefore, has been identified for an improvedilluminating goal structure and a method for manufacturing an improvedilluminating goal structure.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide anilluminating goal structure and a method of manufacturing anilluminating goal structure which obviates or mitigates at least one ofthe disadvantages described above.

[0006] In accordance with the present invention there is provided amethod of manufacturing an illuminating goal structure adapted forconnection to a power source comprising the steps of: forming a backplate; forming a face plate, wherein said face plate has at least onelighting aperture defined therein; housing viewable signal means withinthe at least one lighting aperture; operably connecting the viewablesignal means to the power source via connection means, wherein powerdistributed to the viewable signal means via the connection means iscontrolled by viewable signal means control means; and attaching theface plate to the back plate such that the connection means are enclosedtherein.

[0007] The invention is also directed to a method of manufacturing anilluminating goal structure adapted for connection to a power sourcecomprising the steps of: forming an illumination tube wherein the tubeincludes at least one lighting channel therein; housing viewable signalmeans within the at least one lighting channel; and operably connectingthe viewable signal means to the power source via connection meanswherein power distributed to the viewable signal means via theconnection means is controlled by viewable signal means control means.

[0008] The invention is also directed to an illuminating goal structureadapted for connection to a power source comprising: a back plate; aface plate having at least one lighting aperture defined therein;viewable signal means housed within the at least one lighting aperture;connection means for operably connecting the viewable signal means tothe power source; and viewable signal means control means forcontrolling the distribution of power from the power source to theviewable signal means; wherein the back plate is attached to the faceplate such that the connection means are enclosed therein.

[0009] The invention is also directed to an illuminating goal structureadapted for connection to a power source comprising: an illuminationtube including at least one lighting channel therein; viewable signalmeans housed within the at least one lighting channel; connection meansfor operably connecting the viewable signal means to the power source;and viewable signal means control means for controlling the distributionof power from the power source to the viewable signal means.

[0010] Various terms of art are used throughout this specification. Adiscussion of the various terms is set out hereinbelow in order toprovide context to the meaning of each term.

[0011] The term “viewable signal means” is used in connection with alight source that is either viewable by the human eye or detectible byan external device (eg. a video camera). Examples of “viewable signalmeans” include: light emitting diodes; lasers; illuminated liquidcrystal display, fibre optics, or any matrix pixel display.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] These and other features of the invention will become moreapparent from the following description in which reference is made tothe appended drawings and which:

[0013]FIG. 1 illustrates a front elevation of a goal structure as isknown in the art;

[0014]FIG. 2a presents an exploded top view of an illuminating goalstructure in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0015]FIG. 2b presents an exploded side elevation of an illuminatinggoal structure in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention;

[0016]FIG. 2c presents a top view of a face plate in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention;

[0017]FIG. 2d presents a top view of a face plate in accordance withanother embodiment of the present invention;

[0018]FIG. 2e presents a cross sectional top view of a face plate inaccordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

[0019]FIG. 2f presents a side elevation of a face plate in accordancewith another embodiment of the present invention;

[0020]FIG. 2g presents a top view of a face plate in accordance withanother embodiment of the present invention;

[0021]FIG. 2h presents a side elevation of a face plate in accordancewith another embodiment of the present invention;

[0022]FIG. 2i presents a face plate and back plate in accordance withanother embodiment of the present invention;

[0023]FIG. 2j presents a face plate and back plate in accordance withanother embodiment of the present invention;

[0024]FIG. 3 presents a flow chart of a method of manufacturing anilluminating goal structure in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent invention;

[0025]FIG. 4 illustrates a circuit diagram for controlling anilluminating goal structure in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent invention.

[0026]FIG. 5 presents an illuminating goal structure in accordance withan embodiment of the present invention as attached to non-illuminatinggoal structure;

[0027]FIG. 6 presents an isometric view of an illuminating goalstructure in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention asattached to non-illuminating goal structure which includes a storagecompartment and sensor therein;

[0028]FIG. 7a presents a top view of an illuminating goal structure inaccordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

[0029]FIG. 7b presents a side view of an illuminating goal structure inaccordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

[0030]FIG. 8 presents a flow chart of a method of manufacturing anilluminating goal structure in accordance with another embodiment of thepresent invention;

[0031]FIG. 9 illustrates an illuminating goal structure in accordancewith another embodiment of the present invention as attached tonon-illuminating goal structure;

[0032]FIG. 10 illustrates a circuit diagram in accordance with anotherembodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0033] With reference to FIG. 1 there is illustrated a goal structure asis known in the art and depicted generally by reference number 10. Thegoal structure 10 includes mesh 12 and structure 14. A portion ofstructure 14 to be illuminated is identified as element 16 as defined bycutting line 1-1.

[0034] Referring to FIGS. 2a and 2 b, an illuminating goal structure inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention is shown in an explodedtop view and an exploded side view respectively. The goal structuredescribed therein includes a back plate 200 having mounting apertures202 therein, a face plate 204 having mounting apertures 202 and lightingapertures 206 therein, bulkhead rings 208 having mounting apertures 210therein, light emitting diode assembly (LEDA) 212 and screws 214.According an embodiment of the invention, the LEDA includes lightemitting diodes (LED) 216 attached to printed circuit board (PCB) 218which has wires 220 attached thereto. Wires 220 are adapted forconnection to two 12V batteries (not shown). As will be apparent to oneskilled in the art, the way in which power is supplied to the LED doesnot affect the working of the invention described previously in thesummary of the invention. Thus, one could easily replace wires 220 withoptical fibre or any other electrical connectors as are known in theart.

[0035] Referring to FIG. 3, a flow chart depicting a method ofmanufacturing an illuminating goal structure as depicted in FIGS. 2a and2 b is described. Beginning at a step 300, back plate 200 for theilluminating goal structure is formed. At a step 302, face plate 204 isformed, wherein the face plate has lighting apertures 206 definedtherein. Referring back to FIGS. 2a and 2 b, one can see that in thisembodiment of the invention face plate 204 and back plate 200 includetwo channel members which, when attached to one another, form astructural component having length, width and curvature substantiallysimilar to that portion of the goal structure sought to be illuminated16. The step of forming a back plate 200 or face plate 204 thereforeincludes any method for manufacturing such plates. For example, onecould form plates by merely removing a piece of the original goalstructure sought to be illuminated 16 and splitting said structure alongits longitudinal axis. Alternatively, one could utilize only a portionof the original goal structure for purposes of back plate 200 or faceplate 204 and then manufacture a mating piece such that any materialwhich would be lost while cutting the structure could be replaced by themanufactured piece. Finally, one could manufacture both the back plateand the face plate without utilizing any of the original structure. Forexample this could be achieved by extruding the plates. Although each offace plate 204 and back plate 200 depicted in FIGS. 2a and 2 b generallyrepresent 50 percent of the illuminating goal structure respectively, itwill be apparent to one skilled in the art that this proportion of backplate 200 to face plate 204 is not essential. The only limit to the sizeof a back plate or a face plate is that said plates must be of necessarywidth to facilitate connection of the face plate to the back plate. Thisconnection is described below in greater detail.

[0036] With respect to lighting apertures 206 and mounting apertures202, those apertures can be formed by any method known in the art ofmachining including, for example, drilling. Preferably lighting aperture206 are designed to minimize space between LEDs 216 and face plate 204,so as to prevent unnecessary vibration that may damage LEDs 216.

[0037] Referring back to FIG. 3, the method continues at a step 304wherein LEDs 216 are housed within lighting apertures 206 defined inface plate 204. Referring to FIG. 2c, a top view close-up of face plate204 housing LEDs 216 within lighting apertures 206 is described. Asshown therein, LEDs 216 as attached to PCB 218 are housed withinlighting apertures 206 via O-rings 222, silicone 224, and fibreglassresin 226. In accordance with this embodiment of the present invention,a lens 227 is inserted into aperture 206 to protect LED 216 from beingdamaged by a puck for example.

[0038] As one can see in FIG. 2c, lighting apertures 206, LEDs 216, andPCBs 218 are oriented perpendicular to their respective surface tangents203. By comparison, in FIG. 2d lighting apertures 206, LEDs 216, andPCBs 218 are oriented perpendicular to a single tangent 205. Thisalternative embodiment of face plate 204 is beneficial in that moreLEDAs 212 can be incorporated into a single face plate as the associatedprinted circuit boards 218 will not interfere with each other.

[0039] Referring back to FIG. 3 again, at a step 306, LEDAs 212 areconnected to two 12V batteries via wires 220 wherein power distributedto the LEDAs is controlled by controller 400 and power supply board 402as described below.

[0040] Referring FIG. 4 to a circuit diagram for an illuminating goalstructure in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention isshown. As shown therein LEDAs 212 is connected to power supply board 402via wires 220. Power supply board 402 is in turn connected to controller400 via power connection 404. In accordance with a preferred embodimentof the invention, controller 400 is provided for by an IPM 420™controller. Controller 400 includes a plurality of outputs 406 for eachrespective LEDA 212. As will be apparent to one skilled in the art, thenumber of LEDAs which can be controlled by controller 400 is onlylimited by the number of outputs on controller 406. Also attached tocontroller 400 is an infrared receiver 408. Finally, batteries 410 areconnected to power supply board 402. In accordance with a preferredembodiment of the invention, batteries 410 are provided for by twoSanyo™ NP-1 style 12-volt batteries in series.

[0041] As will be apparent to one skilled in the art, battery 410supplies power to power supply board 402. Power supply board 402 in turnprovides power to controller 400 via power connection 404. In accordancewith this embodiment of the invention, power supply board 402 andcontroller 400 are distinct components. As will be apparent to oneskilled in the art, these boards could easily be combined withouteffecting the operation of the illuminating goal structure. Respondingto a signal provided by RF receiver 408, controller 400 outputs signalsvia outputs 406 which signals are boosted by power supply board 402 andultimately illuminate LEDAs 212. As will be apparent to one skilled inthe art, controller 400 can be utilized to provide any number of effectssuch as blinking or strobing. In accordance with this embodiment of theinvention, only one LEDA is lit at any particular time. The period ofillumination, however, is sufficiently short such that, to the humaneye, all LEDAs 212 appear lit at the same time. This is beneficial inthat it reduces the draw on batteries 410 without affecting theappearance of the goal structure.

[0042] Infrared receiver 408 is utilized for the purpose of allowingremote control of the LEDAs 212 by an official, for example. As will beapparent to one skilled in the art, any form of signalling device couldbe used in place of infrared sensor 408. For example one could employ awhistle sensor, radio receiver, or a 3D puck sensor without affectingthe operation of the goal structure.

[0043] Referring back to FIG. 3 once again, the methodology concludes ata step 308 wherein face plate 204 is attached to the back plate 200 suchthat LEDAs 212 and wires 220 are enclosed therein. Referring back toFIGS. 2a and 2 b, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention,face plate 204 is attached to back plate 200 via bulkhead rings 208.More specifically, face plate 204 and back plate 200 are attached byaligning mounting apertures 202 with apertures 210 in bulkhead rings 208and inserting fastener 214 therethrough.

[0044] Referring to FIGS. 2e and 2 f an alternative embodiment of a faceplate 204 in accordance with another embodiment of the invention isshown. According to this embodiment face plate 204 is defined byextruding a hollow member having two portions with different outsidediameters such that a notch or lip 230 formed. Notch 230 aids inattaching face plate 204 to back plate 200 (not shown).

[0045] Referring to FIGS. 2g and 2 h face plate 204, as depicted inFIGS. 2e and 2 f, is shown having a section of the smaller diameterportion being removed so as to effectively create bulkhead rings 232 inface plate 204. Similar to face plate 204 described in FIGS. 2a and 2 bface plate 204 can be attached to back plate 200 (not shown) viafasteners 214 apertures 202 and apertures 210 in bulkhead rings 232.

[0046] Referring to FIGS. 2i and 2 j two alternative embodiments forattaching face plate 204 to back plate 200 are shown. Referring to thosefigures as one can see that back plate 204 includes male connectors 234for mating attachment with female connectors 236 formed within faceplate 200. This type of attachment is known in the art as aninterference fit. Also shown within FIGS. 2i and 2 j is a bulb 240 and aring 242 attached to back plate 200 for attachment of mesh 12.

[0047] Although the preceding embodiments of the present inventionutilized screws and an interference fit respectively for connecting facepate 200 to back plate 204, one skilled in the art will appreciate thatsaid plates could easily be welded without affecting the inventiondescribed above in the summary.

[0048] Referring to FIG. 5 an illuminating goal structure as describedin FIGS. 2a through 2 j, generally represented by reference number 500,is shown attached to non-illuminating goal structure 502. As will beapparent to one skilled in the art, non-illuminating goal structureincludes any structure required for defining the goal structure itselfwhich is not replaced by illuminating goal structure 500.

[0049] Referring to FIG. 6, one can see illuminating goal structure 500attached to non-illuminating goal structure 502. Incorporated intonon-illuminating goal structure 502 is infrared receiver 406 and storagecompartment 602 wherein storage compartment 602 is adapted to housecontroller 400 and 402, and batteries 404 therein. As will be apparentto one skilled in the art, illuminating goal structure 502 and infraredsensor 406 are operably attached to controller 400 and batteries 406 viawires 220. A storage compartment housed within the non-illuminating goalstructure is beneficial in that the entire goal structure isself-contained. That is to say, one can physically move the goalstructure without the necessity of disconnecting wires 220.

[0050] Although the preceding embodiments of the present invention onlydepict LEDs 216 housed in face plate 204, the invention described in thesummary is not so limited. As will be apparent to one skilled in theart, LEDs 216 could just as easily be housed in back plate 200 utilizingthe same methodology set out above.

[0051] Referring to FIGS. 7a and 7 b an alternative embodiment of anilluminating goal structure is described. According to this embodiment,LEDAs 212 are housed within an illumination tube 700. Illumination tube700 includes a central tubular portion 702 having a plurality ofT-shaped members 704 extending therefrom thereby defining a plurality oflighting channels 706. Lighting channels 706 in turn house shields 708within which LEDAs 212 are housed. According to this embodiment of theinvention, shield 708 is provided by a transparent red extruded plasticchannel designed to house LEDAs 212 therein. Together illumination tube700, shield 708 and LEDA 212 define an illuminating goal structure.

[0052] Referring to FIG. 7b, a bushing attachment for attaching theilluminating goal structure described in FIG. 7a to non-illuminatinggoal structure (not shown) is depicted. The attachment is provided forby removing the upper portion of T-shaped members 704 from illuminationtube 700 at one end. Removal of these T-shaped members results in anillumination tube section consisting of hollow tubular member 702 andfins 710. Hollow member 702 and fins 710 are then inserted into a matingpocket 714 formed within polyurethane bushing 712. Also shown in FIG. 7bis a washer 716 for insertion between illumination tube 700 and bushing712 to prevent destruction of bushing 712 by vibration of illuminationtube 700. Bushing 712 is then attached into non-illuminating goalstructure 502 as described below. As will be apparent to one skilled inthe art, the illumination tube need not represent the male member of theconnection. That is to say, the bushing could represent the male end andthe illumination tube, in particular the tubular member 702 therein,could act as the female connection.

[0053] Referring to FIG. 8, a method of manufacturing an illuminatinggoal structure in accordance with the alternative embodiment of theinvention described in FIGS. 7a and 7 b is shown. The methodology beginsat step 800 wherein illumination tube 700 having at lighting channelstherein is formed. In accordance with this alternative embodiment of theinvention, illumination tube 700 is formed by extruding a tubular memberhaving a profile as shown in FIG. 7a. Proceeding to step 802 LEDAs 212are housed within lighting channels 706. As described above withreference to FIG. 7a, LEDAs 212 can be housed within lighting channels706 directly or alternatively within shields 708. Finally, at a step804, LEDs 216 are connected to the 12V batteries 404 in the same mannerdescribed above with reference to FIG. 4.

[0054] Referring to FIG. 9, the illuminating goal structure describedabove with respect to FIGS. 7 and 8 is shown attached tonon-illuminating goal structure 502. According to this embodiment of theinvention, although not shown in FIG. 9, the connection between busing712 and illumination tube 700 was reinforced by a tension spring.

[0055] The embodiments of the illuminating goal structure describedabove are beneficial for many reasons. One benefit in particular is theability to modify the appearance of the illuminating goal structure bymerely re-defining the position of the lighting apertures 206 orlighting channels 706 therein. This ability to modify the appearance ofthe illuminating goal structure is particularly beneficial when thelighting arrangement itself defines a textual advertising message. Thisis because one can use the illuminating goal structure for one sponsoredevent and then merely replace it for the next sponsored event withouthaving to replace the non-illuminating goal structure. The inventorenvisions the preceding embodiments of the invention being used forpurposes of generating advertising revenue at sporting events.

[0056] While the LEDAs 212 described above included rows of LEDs 216attached via PCBs 218, the invention described in the summary is not solimited. For example, according to another embodiment of the inventionas shown in FIG. 10, LEDAs 212 are replaced by message matrix board1000. Message matrix board 1000 is beneficial in that it can be used forpurposes of generating advertising revenue in addition to signifying agoal. As one can see in FIG. 10, power supply board 402 is connected tobattery 410 and controller 400 in the same manner described above withreference to FIG. 4. In addition to power connection 404, power supplyboard 402 is also connected to controller 400 by serial connection 1010.Controller 400 includes eight row outputs 1020, corresponding to eachrow on matrix row, connected to power supply board 402. Power supplyboard 402 has corresponding outputs 1030 which in turn are connected toindividual rows on matrix board 1000. Finally, power supply board 402 isconnected to the first row of matrix board 1000, the master board 1020,by a serial connection 1050.

[0057] According to this embodiment of the invention, controller 400again receives an input signal from RF receiver 408 signifying a goal oradvertising event. As will be apparent to one skilled in the art, inaccordance with the lighting algorithm stored within controller 400,controller 400 outputs a raw lighting pattern for a matrix row viaoutput 1020 and 1030. Via serial connection 1010 and 1050, controller400 lights those lights on of master row 1040 in accordance with thelighting pattern received. Controller 400 then determines whichparticular row of this lighting pattern is to be displayed on by matrix1000 via outputs 1020 and 1030. The process then repeats for theremaining rows on matrix 1000. As will be apparent to one skilled in theart, the operations of the controller are effectively instantaneous. Assuch, any number of effects such as vertical or horizontal textscrolling or animation can be achieved.

[0058] Although a hockey net is depicted in the preferred embodiments ofthe invention, one skilled in the art will appreciate that the inventiondescribed in summary of the invention is not so limited. As such, theinvention described in the summary of the invention can easily beapplied to any sporting goal structure. For example, one could apply theinvention to a lacrosse goal, soccer goal, football uprights, abasketball hoop, or baseball foul poles to name a few.

[0059] While particular embodiments of the present invention have beenshown and described, it is clear that changes and modifications may bemade to such embodiments without departing from the true scope andspirit of the invention. Thus it is intended that the present inventioncover the modifications and variations of this invention provided theycome within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of manufacturing an illuminating goalstructure adapted for connection to a power source comprising the stepsof: a. forming a back plate; b. forming a face plate, wherein said faceplate has at least one lighting aperture defined therein; c. housingviewable signal means within said at least one lighting aperture; d.operably connecting said viewable signal means to said power source viaconnection means wherein power distributed to said viewable signal meansvia said connection means is controlled by viewable signal means controlmeans; and e. attaching said face plate to said back plate such thatsaid connection means are enclosed therein.
 2. A method of manufacturingan illuminating goal structure as claimed in claim 1 further includingthe step of attaching non-illuminating goal structure thereto.
 3. Amethod of manufacturing an illuminating goal structure as claimed inclaim 1 wherein said viewable signal means include at least one lightemitting diode.
 4. A method of manufacturing an illuminating goalstructure as claimed in claim 1 wherein said viewable signal meansinclude a message matrix board.
 5. A method of manufacturing anilluminating goal structure as claimed in claim 2 further including thestep of defining a storage compartment within said illuminating ornon-illuminating goal structure wherein said compartment is adapted tohouse said power source and said viewable signal means control means. 6.A method of manufacturing an illuminating goal structure as claimed inclaim 1 wherein said viewable signal means are housed within a lens. 7.A method of manufacturing an illuminating goal structure as claimed inclaim 1 wherein the step of attaching includes attaching said face plateto said back plate via at least one independent bulk head ring.
 8. Amethod of manufacturing an illuminating goal structure as claimed inclaim 1 wherein the step of attaching includes attaching said face plateto said back plate via at least one bulk head ring formed into said faceplate or said back plate.
 9. A method of manufacturing an illuminatinggoal structure as claimed in claim 2 wherein the step of attachingnon-illuminating goal structure includes attaching via at least onebushing.
 10. A method of manufacturing an ωilluminating goal structureas claimed in claim 1 wherein said viewable signal means control meansincludes a controller.
 11. A method of manufacturing an illuminatinggoal structure as claimed in claim 1 wherein the step of forming backplate further includes defining at least one lighting aperture in saidback plate and housing viewable signal means therein, wherein saidviewable signal means are operably connected to said power source.
 12. Amethod of manufacturing an illuminating goal structure as claimed inclaim 1 wherein said at least one aperture is oriented perpendicular itssurface tangent on said face plate.
 13. A method of manufacturing anilluminating goal structure as claimed in claim 1 wherein said at leastone aperture is oriented in a direction other than perpendicular to itssurface tangent on said face plate.
 14. A method of manufacturing anilluminating goal structure adapted for connection to a power sourcecomprising the steps of: a. forming an illumination tube wherein saidtube includes at least one lighting channel therein; b. housing viewablesignal means within said at least one lighting channel; and c. operablyconnecting said viewable signal means to said power source viaconnection means wherein power distributed to said viewable signal meansvia said connection means is controlled by viewable signal means controlmeans.
 15. A method of manufacturing an illuminating goal structure asclaimed in claim 14 further including the step of attachingnon-illuminating goal structure thereto.
 16. A method of manufacturingan illuminating goal structure as claimed in claim 14 wherein saidviewable signal means include at least one light emitting diode.
 17. Amethod of manufacturing an illuminating goal structure as claimed inclaim 14 wherein said viewable signal means include a message matrixboard.
 18. A method of manufacturing an illuminating goal structure asclaimed in claim 15 further including the step of defining a storagecompartment within said illuminating or non-illuminating goal structurewherein said compartment is adapted to house said power source and saidviewable signal means control means.
 19. A method of manufacturing anilluminating goal structure as claimed in claim 14 wherein said viewablesignal means are housed within at least one viewable signal meansshield.
 20. A method of manufacturing an illuminating goal structure asclaimed in claim 15 wherein the step of attaching non-illuminating goalstructure includes attaching via at least one bushing.
 21. A method ofmanufacturing an illuminating goal structure as claimed in claim 14wherein said viewable signal means control means includes a controller.22. An illuminating goal structure adapted for connection to a powersource comprising: a back plate; a face plate having at least onelighting aperture defined therein; viewable signal means housed withinsaid at least one lighting aperture; connection means for operablyconnecting said viewable signal means to said power source; and viewablesignal means control means for controlling the distribution of powerfrom said power source to said viewable signal means; wherein said backplate is attached to said face plate such that said connection means areenclosed therein.
 23. An illuminating goal structure as claimed in claim22 further including non-illuminating goal structure attached thereto.24. An illuminating goal structure as claimed in claim 22 wherein saidviewable signal means include at least one light emitting diode.
 25. Anilluminating goal structure as claimed in claim 22 wherein said viewablesignal means include a message matrix board.
 26. An illuminating goalstructure as claimed in claim 23 including a storage compartment housedwithin said illuminating or non-illuminating goal structure wherein saidcompartment is adapted to house said power source and said viewablesignal means control means.
 27. An illuminating goal structure asclaimed in claim 22 wherein said viewable signal means are housed withina lens.
 28. An illuminating goal structure as claimed in claim 22wherein said face plate is attached to said back plate via at least oneindependent bulk head ring.
 29. An illuminating goal structure asclaimed in claim 22 wherein said face plate is attached to said backplate via at least one bulk head rink formed into said face plate orsaid back plate.
 30. An illuminating goal structure as claimed in claim23 wherein said non-illuminating goal structure is attached via at leastone bushing.
 31. An illuminating goal structure as claimed in claims 22wherein viewable signal means control means includes a controller. 32.An illuminating goal structure as claimed in claim 22 wherein said backplate further includes at least one lighting aperture housing viewablesignal means therein, wherein said viewable signal means are operablyconnected to said power source
 33. An illuminating goal structure asclaimed in claim 22 wherein said at least one lighting aperture isoriented perpendicular to its surface tangent on said face plate.
 34. Anilluminating goal structure as claimed in claims 22 wherein said atleast one lighting aperture is oriented in a direction other thanperpendicular to its surface tangent on said face plate.
 35. Anilluminating goal structure adapted for connection to a power sourcecomprising: an illumination tube including at least one lighting channeltherein; viewable signal means housed within said at least one lightingchannel; connection means for operably connecting said viewable signalmeans to said power source; and viewable signal means control means forcontrolling the distribution of power from said power source to saidviewable signal means.
 36. An illuminating goal structure as claimed inclaim 35 further including non-illuminating goal structure attachedthereto.
 37. An illuminating goal structure as claimed in claim 35wherein said viewable signal means include at least one light emittingdiode.
 38. An illuminating goal structure as claimed in claim 35 whereinsaid viewable signal means include a message matrix board.
 39. Anilluminating goal structure as claimed in claim 36 including a storagecompartment housed within said illuminating or non-illuminating goalstructure wherein said compartment is adapted to house said power sourceand said viewable signal means control means.
 40. An illuminating goalstructure as claimed in claim 35 wherein said viewable signal means arehoused within at least one viewable signal means shield.
 41. Anilluminating goal structure as claimed in claim 36 wherein saidnon-illuminating goal structure is attached via at least one bushing.42. An illuminating goal structure as claimed in claims 35 whereinviewable signal means control means includes a controller.